Bolt Spring Clip Assembly for a Firearm

ABSTRACT

A firearm bolt spring clip assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bolt member, an extractor and an ejector. The extractor is removably coupled to the bolt member, positioned in an extractor cavity located in the bolt member. The extractor may comprise a dove tail end, a groove, a leaf spring section and an extractor claw. The ejector is removably and slidably coupled to the bolt member, positioned in an ejector cavity located in the bolt member. One or both of the extractor and ejector are secured to the bolt member by at least one spring clip.

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to firearms, and more particularly, to firearms that utilize a bolt assembly.

In at least some known automatic, semi-automatic, and manual bolt firearms, a bolt comprises an extractor and an ejector. The extractor and ejector work together to cycle used cartridges from the chamber. Specifically, an extractor may grip a cartridge to slide it through the chamber, while an ejector may apply pressure to the spent cartridge as it slides rearward through the chamber. The effect of the forces applied by the ejector and extractor results in the spent cartridge being ejected from the chamber along its rearward path. The small extractor and ejector pieces must be removably fastened to a bolt assembly. In at least some known bolt assemblies, small pins are inserted through the assembly to retain the ejector and extractor in a movable fashion.

The manufacturing of bolt assemblies must be very precise and the small size of the components for securing extractors and ejectors can require timely, difficult lathing or machining. The method of securing the components also creates a complex, timely process to clean or “field strip” the bolt assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a firearm bolt spring clip assembly is provided. The firearm bolt spring clip assembly includes a bolt assembly that includes a bolt member, an extractor cavity, an ejector cavity, a cartridge seat, and at least one spring clip receiving groove. An extractor may be removably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the extractor cavity. An ejector may be slidably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the ejector cavity. A spring clip may be used to secure the extractor or the ejector to the bolt member. Alternatively, a first spring clip may secure the extractor and a second spring clip may secure the ejector.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a firearm bolt spring clip assembly is provided. The method includes providing a bolt assembly that includes a bolt member, an extractor cavity, an ejector cavity, a cartridge seat, and at least one spring clip receiving groove. An extractor may be removably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the extractor cavity. An ejector may be slidably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the ejector cavity. A spring clip may be used to secure the extractor or the ejector to the bolt member. Alternatively, a first spring clip may be used to secure the extractor and a second spring clip may be used to secure the ejector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a bolt assembly that may be used in a firearm;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway top plan view of an ejector;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross section views of a spring clip;

FIG. 2C is an end view of a spring clip;

FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of an ejector;

FIG. 3B is an end view of an ejector;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an extractor;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an extractor;

FIG. 6 is an exploded axial end view of a bolt assembly;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a firearm bolt assembly 100. In the exemplary embodiment, firearm bolt spring clips 130, 120 may be used with any firearm bolt assembly. A firearm bolt assembly 100 may comprise a bolt 102, an ejector assembly 104 and an extractor. Bolt 102 may be substantially cylindrically-shaped and it may have a longitudinal axis, which is substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a firearm chamber and barrel. In another embodiment, bolt 102 may be any shape that enables a firearm to function. Bolt 102 may further comprise locking lugs 192. Ejector 104 may be located in an ejector cavity 106, which may run substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bolt 102. An extractor (not shown in FIG. 1) may be inserted into an extractor cavity 108 and secured by an extractor nest 110 situated on the bolt assembly 100. An extractor nest 110 may have a female dovetail portion 112 for receiving a male dovetail portion of an extractor. Moreover, bolt 102 may include grooves 128, 118 around its circumference, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A first groove 128 may be located to intersect extractor nest 110. A first spring clip 130 may be inserted into groove 128, around a circumference of bolt 102. First spring clip 130 may secure an extractor inserted in extractor cavity 108. A second groove 118 may be located to intersect an ejector cavity 106. A second spring clip 120 may be inserted around groove 118. Second spring clip 120 may secure an ejector in an ejector cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, a first spring clip 130 and a second spring clip 120 may be interchangeable. Interchangeability may allow a first spring clip 130 to be used in conjunction with groove 118 and an ejector assembly 104, and a second spring clip 120 to be used in conjunction with groove 128 and an extractor.

FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded cut-out view of a bolt assembly 200. One cut-out shows an ejector assembly 204 inserted in an ejector tube 206, located through a cartridge seat 252 of bolt 202. Ejector tube 206 may extend along an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of bolt 202. An ejector assembly 204 may include an ejector plunger 208 and ejector spring 210. Ejector plunger 208 may have a narrow section 212 along its longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, ejector assembly 204 and ejector cavity 206 may be substantially cylindrical to allow ejector assembly 204 to be inserted into ejector cavity 206. In another embodiment, ejector assembly 204 and ejector cavity 206 may be substantially cuboidal, or any other shape, as reasonably would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, that enables ejector assembly 204 to be slideably inserted into ejector cavity 206.

Bolt 202 may have a groove 218 running around the circumference of bolt 202 and substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Groove 218 may cut into ejector tube 206. A spring clip 220 may be inserted into groove 218. Ejector assembly 204 may be inserted into ejector tube 206 such that ejector spring 210 is depressed and narrow section 212 of ejector plunger 208 aligns with groove 218. Ejector spring 210 may be capable of supplying pressure to slide ejector plunger 208 toward front end 250, or resist depression of ejector plunger 208 into ejector tube 206. Spring clip 220 may restrict the sliding of ejector plunger 208 to the length of narrow section 212. In an exemplary embodiment, ejector spring 210 may apply pressure to ejector plunger 208 so that a back portion 214 of ejector plunger 208 rests against spring clip 220, allowing a front portion 216 of ejector plunger 208 to protrude from ejector tube 206 and into cartridge seat 252.

A second cutout in FIG. 2 shows an extractor 280 coupled to bolt 202. Extractor 280 may include a dovetailed portion 282 for coupling with a dovetailed receiving portion of an extractor cavity in bolt 202. Extractor 280 may also include a leaf spring portion 284 and an extractor claw portion 288. Leaf spring portion 284 may provide force for extractor claw 288 to grip a cartridge. Extractor 280 may be secured by a spring clip 230. A groove 228 may run around the circumference of bolt 202 and substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Groove 228 may intersect an extractor cavity in bolt 202. When an extractor 280 is inserted in the extractor cavity in bolt 202, a groove 286 on extractor 280 may align with groove 228 on bolt 202. Spring clip 230 may be inserted into grooves 228, 286, securing extractor 280 to bolt 202.

The movement of spring clips 220, 230 within grooves 218, 228 may be limited by staking. As a result of staking, groove dimples 222, 232 may be created proximate grooves 218, 228, displacing material into grooves 218, 228 and preventing spring clips 220, 230 from rotating around a circumference of bolt 202. In some exemplary embodiments, four staking dimples may be created per groove, one on each side of the groove at each desired location to restrict the ends of a spring clip. In other exemplary embodiments, two staking dimples may be used per groove, one on either side of the groove at each desired location to restrict the ends of a spring clip.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show exemplary embodiments of spring clip 220. All spring clips, whether for use with extractors or ejectors, may include these embodiments. FIG. 2A represents a spring clip 220A with a circular cross section, while FIG. 2B represents a spring clip 220B with a rectangular cross section. FIG. 2C shows an end view of a spring clip 220C. An exemplary embodiment of spring clip 220C may extend at least beyond a bolt centerline when inserted in a groove. The inside diameter of a spring clip 220C may be at least as small as the inside circumference of a groove 218 for positive seating.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an ejector plunger 308A. Edges 324, formed by the intersection of narrow section 312 and back portion 314 and the intersection of narrow section 312 and front portion 316, may form a substantially right angle. This exemplary embodiment may facilitate the use of a rectangular spring clip as shown in FIG. 2B. Another exemplary embodiment may include curved edges to facilitate the use of a round spring, as shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B shows a front end view of an ejector plunger 308B. An exemplary embodiment may be substantially cylindrical. Another exemplary embodiment may be substantially cuboidal. Yet other exemplary embodiments may be any shape, as reasonably would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, that enables the ejector to function.

FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of an extractor 480. Extractor 480 may have a dove tail portion 482, a leaf spring section 484, a groove 486 and an extractor claw 488. The dove tailed portion 482 may be inserted in an extractor nest located on a bolt assembly. When the extractor is positioned fully inside an extractor cavity on the bolt assembly, a groove 486 may align with a groove on the bolt assembly. A spring clip may be inserted into groove 486 such that it braces the extractor to a bolt assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom plan view of an extractor 580. An exemplary embodiment of extractor 580 may comprise a dove tail portion 582, a leaf spring section 584, a groove 586, and an extractor claw 588. As described in paragraph 0024, in one exemplary embodiment, a spring clip 516 may secure the extractor to a bolt assembly.

FIG. 6 shows a front end exploded view of a bolt assembly. An exemplary embodiment may have a bolt 602, a cartridge seat 652, an extractor 680, an ejector 608, and spring clips 616, 620. Spring clips 616, 620 may extend around a groove at least past the centerline of the bolt. The inner diameter of spring clips 616, 620 may be equal to or less than the inner diameter of a groove around a bolt member 602. The outer diameter of spring clips 616, 620 may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of bolt member 602.

An exemplary embodiment may operate as such: The bolt may slide forward, stripping a cartridge from the magazine and seating it on the face of the bolt. The extractor claw may grab a portion of the rear end of the casing and a rear face of another portion of the casing may depress the ejector plunger as it is seated on the face of the bolt. When the bolt locks in the forward position, a round may be fired. After a round is fired, the bolt may unlock and begin sliding rearward. A spent cartridge may be retracted with the bolt, by the grip of the extractor claw. As a spent cartridge is retracted, the ejector plunger may apply forward pressure to an opposing side of the cartridge from the grip of the extractor claw. These forces may cause the spent cartridge to eject through an ejection port as it is freed from the chamber. A spring clip assembly may secure the extractor to the bolt by being inserted in a groove around the circumference of the bolt and a matching groove on the extractor. The spring clip may be sized to allow the bolt to freely slide as required. A dovetailed portion of the extractor may also assist in properly securing it to the bolt. The extractor may function by having a leaf spring portion apply force to a claw portion, which may grip the rear of a cartridge, as it is seated to the face of the bolt assembly.

A spring clip assembly may also secure the ejector plunger. An ejector cavity may be disposed longitudinally through the bolt. A spring clip groove around the circumference of the bolt may intersect the ejector cavity. An ejector spring may be inserted into the ejector cavity, followed by an ejector plunger. The ejector plunger may depress the spring as it is forced into the cavity. The ejector plunger may be depressed until a narrow section on the plunger aligns with the intersecting spring clip groove. A spring clip may be inserted in the groove and limit the travel of the plunger to the length of the narrow section. The distance of travel may be equal to the depth of a cartridge seat disposed in the face of the bolt. The spring clip may be sized to allow the bolt to slide as required. The ejector spring may apply pressure so that the natural position of the ejector plunger is extended through the cartridge seat to a front end of the bolt. When a cartridge is seated, it may be depressed to align with the face of the cartridge seat, allowing the cartridge to align properly.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm bolt spring clip assembly comprising: a bolt assembly that comprises a bolt member, an extractor cavity, an ejector cavity, a cartridge seat, and at least one spring clip receiving groove therein; an extractor removably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the extractor cavity; an ejector slidably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the ejector cavity; and at least one spring clip securing the extractor or the ejector to the bolt member.
 2. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a first spring clip is inserted in a first spring clip receiving groove to secure the extractor to the bolt member and a second spring clip is inserted in a second spring clip receiving groove to secure the ejector to the bolt member.
 3. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1, the at least one spring clip receiving groove having at least one dimple obstruction.
 4. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1, the extractor further comprising a dove tail end, a groove, a leaf spring section, and an extractor claw.
 5. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1, the ejector further comprising an ejector spring and ejector plunger, the ejector plunger having a narrow section.
 6. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one spring clip comprises square wire.
 7. A bolt assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one spring clip comprises round wire.
 8. A method of assembling a firearm bolt spring clip assembly, said method comprising: providing a bolt assembly that comprises a bolt member, an extractor cavity, an ejector cavity, a cartridge seat, and at least one spring clip receiving groove therein; an extractor removably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the extractor cavity; an ejector slidably coupled to the bolt assembly and positioned within the ejector cavity; and at least one spring clip securing the extractor or the ejector to the bolt member.
 9. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein a first spring clip secures the extractor to the bolt member and a second spring clip secures the ejector to the bolt member.
 10. A method in accordance with claim 8 further comprising providing at least one dimple obstruction in the at least one groove.
 11. A method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising providing an extractor with a dove tail end, a groove, a leaf spring section, and an extractor claw.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising providing an ejector assembly with an ejector spring and ejector plunger, the ejector plunger having a narrow section.
 13. A method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising providing a spring clip comprised of square wire.
 14. A method in accordance with claim 8, further comprising providing a spring clip comprised of round wire. 